About
The University of Cape Town is consistently ranked as Africa's top higher education institution, internationally renowned for its world-class research and academic excellence in fields such as clinical medicine, marine biology, development studies, and commerce. All degree programs are taught entirely in English, making it an accessible and attractive destination for students from around the globe. The dedicated International Academic Programmes Office provides comprehensive support, assisting visiting and degree-seeking international students with admissions, visa compliance, and orientation upon arrival. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the university offers a uniquely vibrant multicultural campus life coupled with breathtaking natural surroundings that few global campuses can match. A distinctive characteristic of the institution is its profound social responsiveness agenda, which actively integrates community engagement and post-apartheid nation-building into its curriculum and research ethos.
Background
The University of Cape Town (UCT) (Afrikaans: Universiteit van Kaapstad, Xhosa: iYunivesithi yaseKapa) is a public research university in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1829 as the South African College, it was granted full university status in 1918, making it the oldest university in South Africa and the oldest university in Sub-Saharan Africa in continuous operation. UCT is organised in 57 departments across six faculties offering bachelor's (NQF 7) to doctoral degrees (NQF 10) solely in the English language. Home to 30,000 students, it encompasses six campuses in the Cape Town suburbs of Rondebosch, Cape Town CBD, Observatory, Mowbray, and V&A Waterfront. It is the only African member of the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF) within the World Economic Forum, which is made up of 26 of the world's top universities. Five alumni, staff members, or researchers associated with UCT have won the Nobel Prize. Eighty-eight staff members are part of the Academy of Sciences of South Africa.
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Quick facts
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Wondering if University of Cape Town is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.